Doug Beghtel/The OregonianA second consecutive sellout crowd of 10,947 turned out for Game 3 of the WHL championship series Sunday at the Rose Garden and another is expected for Game 4 Tuesday.

The Portland Winterhawks currently hold a 2-1 lead going into Game 4 of the Western Hockey League finals tonight, and they are expecting yet another sold out crowd in the Rose Garden to cheer them on. With the Trail Blazers missing the NBA playoffs this year and the Timbers struggling in the MLS, the Winterhawks are earning extra attention in Portland.

I'm a longtime hockey fan. I was at my third-ever Winterhawks game on
Sunday. I've been really impressed by how knowledgeable Portland hockey
fans are. It's evident in all the subtle but important little plays they
cheer and boo for.

It took the expansion of the NHL to break up the WHL. The Vancouver
Canucks went directly into the NHL from the WHL, and they weren't even
the best team at the time! Another goalie, Dave Kelly could have gone to the NHL, but came to
Portland instead. I also remember seeing Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull
playing against Portland at some time.

Keep the Hawks here and forget about an NHL franchise; whether we
'deserve' a NHL team or not is irrelevant, a true 'pro' game would ruin
the atmosphere and the fun and frivolity. Support the Winterhawks and
those long term fans AND the families that help the young men adjust to
Portland and to being on their own. Many 'team' families have been
doing this for over 20 years! THAT'S another story I want to hear about;
those dedicated 'foster' Mom's and Dads.